LANSING, Mich. — In response to the severe ice storm that recently struck northern lower Michigan, an Ingham County Sheriff’s Office deputy has traveled to Cheboygan County to aid in recovery efforts. Deputy Kyle Gask-Wilson has been deployed to work alongside Cheboygan County Sheriff Todd Ross and Undersheriff Kelsey Kennedy, assisting with critical welfare checks on residents impacted by the storm.
The Ingham County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the deployment in a recent Facebook post, highlighting Gask-Wilson’s role in supporting the local law enforcement and emergency response teams. His responsibilities will include helping coordinate welfare checks for those in need and assisting the Cheboygan County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) as they continue efforts to restore power to affected communities.
As of today, approximately 47% of Cheboygan County remains without power, a stark contrast to the initial aftermath when over 90% of the county lost power in the wake of the storm. The widespread outages have left thousands without electricity, and local authorities are working tirelessly to address the ongoing challenges.
In an effort to further assist with recovery, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer activated the Michigan National Guard (MING) on April 1, deploying them to aid in the restoration process across the region. The National Guard’s involvement is expected to provide critical support as power crews and emergency responders continue to restore vital services to affected areas.
The storm, which impacted several counties in northern Michigan, left a trail of destruction, downing trees and power lines, while also creating hazardous driving conditions. Local officials continue to encourage residents to remain patient as recovery efforts proceed.
As communities in Cheboygan County and surrounding areas work toward recovery, the collaboration between law enforcement, emergency responders, and the Michigan National Guard remains a vital component in the ongoing restoration process.
